Hi.

Jan 10 Plan, Plan, Plan...

I may be a little (or A LOT) of a planner addict. But if you know anything about me... you know that I plan EVERYTHING. Probably until I had children, I made lists and plans for just about everything. The last 4 years, I've just kind of been floating along. Outside of a few trips and a few big purchases - I really haven't sat down to plan very much... That all changed some time last spring. That was when I realized I had some postpartum symptoms that I just couldn't shake. I started forgetting things and kinda schlepping through life. Besides making sure the kids were clean, happy and fed - I didn't do much else. An Urban Hubs suggested that I needed a day or two a week just for me. I started getting mani/pedis and massages... taking the long way home, stopping to browse in Target (and Michael's) - you know, the fun stuff. That's when I realized that I needed to start setting goals, making lists of my accomplishments, getting the baby weight off (we'll get back to this topic again later) and working towards something. I've never been overly ambitious - mostly because I find myself content with the life that we've made for ourselves. Not complacent, but genuinely content. I always find the bright side of things and cherish what I have. But with the gloom of postpartum (mainly stemming from some serious losses), I really felt like I just had NO real life goals. That was about to change. I asked around about a new planner and that's when the world of planning opened up for me. There were just so many options (and SO MANY STICKERS!!!).

Needless to say, 7 planners later, I've found a few that I LOVE... and I have one for work that I bullet journal in, one for personal use that houses my calendar, EVERYONE's schedule, events, shopping lists, workouts, performances, my journal and one for An Urban Ma that I use to schedule blogs and giveaways, travel, and vlogs. I also have a travel journal that was clutch in Cuba (without the ease of google and googlemaps), a Kate Spade that's super cute but just not big enough and a few others that I thought I would love but didn't.

Writing down my daily accomplishments, goals, schedule and journaling have really helped me forward plan a little. It also forced me to focus on ME. I have to set time aside to sit down and write in my planner. I try every day, but even every other day is beneficial. Yes, I note when I need to go to the grocery store and mail a bill - but I get to include fun things like travel dates too.

So, if you see me at Michael's - just know, I'm probably not about to build or paint anything.. I'm just getting some planner supplies.